Aurora is a significant new residential development in the City of Whittlesea, Victoria. Located approximately 4 kilometres to the north west of Epping town centre on Melbourne’s urban growth boundary, it is VicUrban’s flagship sustainable residential development. When complete in 15 to 20 years it will be home to over 8,000 households, with an anticipated total population of 25,000 people, two town centres, five schools, community activity centres and approximately 148 hectares of public open space and conservation areas. The concept of developing an early hub for community activities and services, designed to meet the specific needs and lifestyle aspirations of new residents at Aurora resulted from broad consultation undertaken in 2004. This research recognized the express desire of residents to feel connected to their new community and foster its fledgling identity and sense of place.
Specifically, the community told us that they wanted to learn for both work and for life, in a convenient place, at a convenient time - ‘just enough, just for me and, just in time’. Essentially they wanted to choose the way that they participated; interacting in non-threatening, informal environments, which catered for their individual needs. In response, the concept of the Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre was established – a community driven, governed and owned facility underpinned by the application of community development principles.
Creeds Farm will provide meeting rooms, program spaces, training areas, a community kitchen and garden; it will be co-located with casual and long day childcare. The building design is innovative in its commitment to:
• Adopting environmentally sustainable design principles (aiming to secure at least a six star rating);
• Identifying flexible design principles to future proof for multiple uses that change over time;
• Interactive design principles that promote inclusivity, involving community and connecting people;
• Durability and low lifecycle maintenance.
The development of the project reflects a long term collaboration between the local community, the City of Whittlesea, North East Neighbourhood House Network, the Uniting Church and VicUrban. This partnership approach has been perpetuated through the establishment of an independent not-for-profit Incorporated Association initially governed by a group of founding partners. Over the next 1 to 3 years, the Incorporated Association will work to ensure the complete transition of governance to the local community